Andrew Bailey's All-Star season in 2010 didn't end as he'd wished: He was sidelined by pain in his right elbow that required a cleanup operation.

The A's closer is now close to 100 percent, however, and he's also leaner after losing 10 to 12 pounds this winter.

"After seeing wedding pictures, I was like, 'It's time to work out!,' " joked Bailey, who got married in November.

The weight loss should help his occasionally sore left knee, and, in the meantime, Bailey will be brought along a bit slower than the rest of Oakland's pitchers, who, along with catchers, officially reported to camp Tuesday. He said there is no schedule for him this spring - he'll pitch as often as his body dictates. It's possible he won't work in exhibition games out of the gate, but Bailey estimated he needs only eight to 10 games to be ready for the season.

After his first bullpen session went well Monday, Bailey said he has no doubt he'll be ready for Opening Day. Manager Bob Geren said Bailey "looked good, his body looks good, his body-fat percentage has improved, his knee is good, his elbow is good. Everything is as good as it could be."

Bailey threw 20 pitches, all fastballs, and said, "It felt good, like a normal first bullpen. The elbow issue, in my mind, is behind me."

Now it's a matter of proper maintenance, and the weight loss is one indication that Bailey is dedicated to his training. More evidence: Bailey subjected himself to some minor torture after his elbow surgery - he wore a splint on his arm for hours each day and as he slept in order to improve the extension. It straightened everything out, like orthodontia for an arm.

"I never want to do that again," he said.

It worked, though. Bailey has gained 15 degrees in extension from last year, as he demonstrated, straightening out his arm for reporters. That should make a positive impact on his delivery, while taking stress off the elbow.

Bailey arrived at the A's minor-league complex at the start of the week and found himself surrounded by other closers - the team has numerous men who can fill the role now, including recently signed Brian Fuentes and onetime projected A's closer Joey Devine, healthy at last, two years after Tommy John surgery.

The A's have emphasized that the closer role remains Bailey's, but some of his teammates joked with him Tuesday that he'd better keep performing well. Bailey has done nothing else when healthy, so he has little to worry about - plus, by adding Fuentes and Grant Balfour, Oakland has ensured that all of its talented relievers will have adequate rest. Chalk up another plus when it comes to Bailey's health.

A strong relief corps

The A's have eight relievers who've thrown more than 45 innings of relief in a season, including two experienced closers. By comparison, the Rangers have four relievers who've thrown more than 45 innings of relief in a season.

CLOSERS*

Pitcher

Age

Most saves

Total saves

Brian Fuentes

35

48 ('09 Angels)

187

Andrew Bailey

26

26 ('09 A's)

51

*Fuentes is slated for middle relief; Bailey to close.

MIDDLE RELIEVERS**

Pitcher

Age

Most IP

Total IP

Michael Wuertz

32

78 2/3 ('09 A's)

380 2/3

Craig Breslow

30

74 2/3 ('10 A's)

219 2/3

Brad Ziegler

31

73 1/3 ('09 A's)

193 2/3

Grant Balfour

33

67 1/3 ('09 Rays)

273 2/3

Jerry Blevins

27

48 2/3 ('10 A's)

113 1/3

Joey Devine

27

45 2/3 ('08 A's)

65 1/3

**Excluding relievers without 45 IP in a season.

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